We can work from anywhere in the globe, whether it’s an office, a coffee shop, or an airport lounge, thanks to mobile devices and computers. Working lengthy hours crouched over a gadget, on the other hand, can be inconvenient and lead to pain and damage in the long run. A quality portable keyboard helps enhance the ergonomics of your work environment and assures speedier, less error-prone typing for anyone trying to stay productive on the road.
You probably have a full-size keyboard and mouse at home, but they’re cumbersome to bring on the road. A lighter, specifically designed for travel and mobile usage keyboard is a superior option, especially if you frequently travel or work from coffee shops. Many of these versions support Bluetooth and may be used with computers as well as mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones.
Traditional wireless keyboards rely on USB dongles to function, but these mobile Bluetooth keyboards are more adaptable and don’t require a small, easily misplaced component. When you’re on the go, you need a comprehensive ergonomic workspace.
You’ll have a comfy mobile workplace if you combine a portable keyboard with a tiny mouse and a good laptop stand.
To make a basic standing desk, simply position your laptop on a raised surface and utilise a separate mouse and keyboard. Most portable keyboards can be utilised in your spare time as well. A small keyboard is frequently used to control apps on a smart TV or to run a computer from the couch. If this is the case, search for a model with a sufficient wireless range, which is usually at least fifteen feet.
Size, comfort, compatibility, and battery life are the most crucial elements to consider when purchasing a portable keyboard. We tested dozens of possibilities and are confident in saying that these are the best portable keyboards available today, whether you’re searching for an ergonomic keyboard for business, the ideal travel keyboard, or an ultra-compact model for smartphone use.
1. Best Portable Keyboard: Logitech K380
Logitech is a significant computer accessory maker with dozens of various keyboard variants to choose from. The Logitech K380 is one of its most popular tiny keyboards, and for good reason. The K380 is a cheap and lightweight camera that looks flimsy but performs admirably. The rounded keys take some getting used to, but the travel and key gap are comparable to other portable keyboards, so you should be typing at full speed in a day or two.
The keys can be a little “clacky” if you type quickly, but they’re fairly quiet in usual use. With dimensions of 10.9 x 4.9 x 0.6 inches and a weight of 14.9 oz, this is one tiny keyboard that takes up very little room in your backpack. Because it’s smaller than most 13-inch laptops, it fits neatly into a daypack and you’ll probably forget it’s there. You may pair up to three devices with this Bluetooth keyboard at once, and you can switch between them using the function keys on the top.
It connects quickly, usually in under a second, and it doesn’t lose out or miss keystrokes even while typing quickly. The K380 is available in a limited number of colours and two keyboard layouts: one for Windows and one for Mac. All versions are compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Chrome OS, but if you’re using it on a laptop, it’s recommended having the keyboard layout you’re used to.
The keyboard is powered by two AAA batteries (included) that can last up to two years before needing to be replaced. Surprisingly, that figure appears to be rather accurate: many long-term clients record even longer times between replacements. We’ve been using one of these keyboards for a few weeks now, and it’s proven to be a comfortable, dependable option that’s easy to travel with and comes at a great price. As a result, it’s our current favourite portable keyboard. Our complete Logitech K380 review can be found here.
Pros
- Well-priced
- Slim and lightweight
- Can pair with three devices at once
- Mac and Windows layout options available
- Long battery life
Cons
- Round keys may take a little getting used to
- No backlighting
2. Best Full-Size Portable Keyboard: Logitech K780
Small keyboards are convenient for travelling, but if you have large hands or type quickly, the smaller keys and narrower spacing between them can be an issue.
Similarly, if you perform a lot of data entry work, not having a number pad can be inconvenient. If that describes you, the Logitech K780 is a good choice. This device includes a familiar layout, full-sized keys, and a complete number pad.
It’s a medium sized keyboard, measuring 0.9 x 6.2 x 14.9 inches and giving a compact yet comfortable choice that falls somewhere between ultra-portable devices and normal desktop keyboards. It weighs 30.9 ounces, which is heavier than the average weight of devices on this list but lighter than a standard desktop keyboard. As a result, you get a highly functional and comfortable typing experience in a small compact.
The K780, like many Logitech keyboards, allows you to move between devices fast and flawlessly. It can pair with up to three devices at once, and the first three function buttons in the upper left corner make switching between them a breeze. It works on PCs, Macs, iOS, Android, and Chrome OS, allowing you to use it on all of your favourite devices.
Many rival companies claim to support a wide range of devices, but few can truly remember and switch between multiple devices. With Bluetooth and USB dongle connections, the K780 provides dual connectivity. This is a significant advantage, because USB connections are more stable for PCs, whereas Bluetooth is required for mobile devices. It’s powered by a single C battery that Logitech promises would last up to two years under typical conditions.
The Logitech K780’s latest edition includes a phone and tablet stand built into the top of the keyboard. It enables you to slant your mobile device for easier reading while typing. You may be working on your laptop and instantly move the keyboard to your phone to respond to a text message because of the simple device switching. For some, the integrated phone stand is a useful feature, especially for those who wish to use a full-sized keyboard with their tablet or phone, but for others, it will be the device’s principal drawback.
It adds a significant amount of bulk (and weight) to an otherwise small keyboard, making it less portable, and it can’t be removed. If you know you’ll never use the stand, this Satechi model is a better option, albeit it normally costs a little more. If not, the K780 is a versatile and ergonomic keyboard that works well with almost any device.
Pros
- Can pair with three devices at once
- Full size keyboard for comfortable typing
- Integrated phone/tablet stand
- Dual connectivity (USB dongle and Bluetooth)
- Long battery life
- Full number pad
Cons
- Moderate size and weight
- Mobile device stand can’t be removed
- Round keys may take a little getting used to
- No backlighting
3. Best Travel Keyboard: Arteck HB030B
The Arteck HB030B is a wonderful alternative for people searching for a fully travel-friendly keyboard. This variant is sleek and tiny, measuring 9.7 x 5.9 x 0.2 inches and weighs roughly 7.6 ounces. When compared to devices like the Logitech K780, it doesn’t feature a number pad, which saves a few inches of width. It has a built-in rechargeable battery that may last up to six months (or two hours of use per day, according to the maker) before needing to be recharged.
The Arteck HB030B uses Bluetooth to connect to other devices. As a result, it works with any Bluetooth-enabled device that runs one of the common operating systems (iOS, Android, Mac and Windows). It also works with Linux, albeit it isn’t completely compatible: several function keys on Linux devices don’t work properly. It can only remember one device at a time, unlike the K380 or 780, and isn’t built for rapid switching back and forth.
Backlighting with seven colour possibilities (deep blue, soft blue, strong green, soft green, red, purple, and cyan) and two brightness settings is a unique feature of this keyboard. This adds a touch of class, but there is one drawback: the light switches off after 15 seconds of inactivity. This helps to save battery life, but it can also be annoying.
Aside from the illumination issue, this model’s sole significant flaw is that it isn’t as sturdy as some higher-end keyboards. Its ultra-slim form makes it slightly more vulnerable to damage, especially when it’s in and out of a backpack on a regular basis. A 24-month warranty is included, however it only covers manufacturer flaws and not accidental damage.
Pros
- Ultra-slim
- Connects to any Bluetooth-enabled device
- Backlighting
- Rechargeable battery, lasting up to six months
- 24-month warranty
Cons
- Backlighting turns off after 15 seconds without use
- Less durable than some competing models
4. Best Budget Portable Keyboard: OMOTON Ultra-Slim Keyboard
The OMOTON Ultra-Slim is an ideal alternative for anyone seeking for a budget-friendly mobile keyboard. This is a small, simple keyboard that connects to your phone through Bluetooth and provides rudimentary functionality. With dimensions of 0.2 x 11.2 x 4.7 inches and a weight of 9.9 ounces, it’s a nice little package.
It’s small enough to be portable while still being comfortable to text on. This keyboard is powered by AA batteries and has a battery life of up to 30 days when used continuously. This model has a 10 metre (32 foot) operational range, so you can use it from your couch.
The OMOTON is designed to work with iPads, iPhones, and other iOS devices, having iOS-specific function keys. Other Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as Windows PCs, are also compatible. Surprisingly, it does not support some Macbook Pro models. Before you buy, make sure to check the Amazon listing for a complete list of compatible devices.
Pros
- Very budget-friendly
- Up to 30-day battery life
- Compact and lightweight
- 30-foot wireless range
Cons
- Not compatible with all devices
- Only connects to one device at a time
- No backlighting
5. Best Portable Keyboard with Trackpad: Logitech K400 Plus
The Logitech K400 Plus is the best keyboard for your couch. It comes with a trackpad, which enables comprehensive device control without the necessity of an external mouse or touchscreen. This capability, when combined with the K400’s 33-foot wireless range, makes it ideal for controlling a device from a distance. For individuals who don’t want to buy a mouse separately, the K400 Plus could be a good travel keyboard.
It is 1 x 5.5 x 14 inches and weighs little under 14 ounces, making it a relatively portable device. A USB dongle is used to connect this model to devices. Because it lacks Bluetooth, it will be incompatible with mobile devices. As a result, this device’s adaptability is limited. This keyboard, on the other hand, is as excellent as it gets if you truly want that embedded trackpad.
Pros
- Keyboard and trackpad in one compact package
- Lightweight
- Long battery life
- 33-foot wireless range
Cons
- Can only pair with one device at a time
- No Bluetooth, so it doesn’t work with mobile devices
- No backlighting
6. Best Portable Keyboard for Phones: iClever BK03
The iClever BK03 is the most portable keyboard on this list. This one-of-a-kind model has a tri-fold design that collapses to (literally) pocket size. When fully extended, it measures 0.3 x 10 x 3.5 inches and folds down to 5.75 x 3.5 inches, roughly the size of a typical smartphone. With a weight of only 6.3 ounces, this is a keyboard that you can keep with you at all times and use to quickly scribble down notes or answer to text messages on your phone.
When the iClever BK03 is folded up, it automatically shuts off to save battery life.
It works with most Bluetooth-enabled devices, including smartphones and tablets (Android and iOS) as well as desktops (Mac and PC). The BK03, like our top pick, the Logitech K780, can connect to and remember up to three devices at once, and switch between them quickly. The design of this keyboard, at 10 inches wide, may feel claustrophobic to individuals who are used to full-sized keyboards.
Another reason it’s better for phones is because larger keys make for a more comfortable experience and fewer errors when typing on a computer. However, it’s difficult to beat for on-the-go use with mobile devices. There are several variations of this keyboard, including one with a backlight and another with a touchpad. They’re both a little bigger than the BK03, but they’re still extremely little, and they might be a better fit for some folks.
Pros
- Foldable, ultra-portable design
- Works with computers, smartphones and tablets
- Pairs with three Bluetooth devices at once
- Lightweight
Cons
- Small size can feel cramped
- No backlighting
